Biology
Scientific paper
Aug 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008asbio...8..859n&link_type=abstract
Astrobiology, Volume 8, Issue 4, pp. 859-874.
Biology
5
Fluorescence Microscopy, Dyes, Quantum Dots, Biosignatures, Wet Chemistry
Scientific paper
The identification of extant and, in some cases, extinct bacterial life is most convincingly and efficiently performed with modern high-resolution microscopy. Epifluorescence microscopy of microbial autofluorescence or in conjunction with fluorescent dyes is among the most useful of these techniques. We explored fluorescent labeling and imaging of bacteria in rock and soil in the context of in situ life detection for planetary exploration. The goals were two-fold: to target non-Earth-centric biosignatures with the greatest possible sensitivity and to develop labeling procedures amenable to robotic implementation with technologies that are currently space qualified. A wide panel of commercially available dyes that target specific biosignature molecules was screened, and those with desirable properties (i.e., minimal binding to minerals, strong autofluorescence contrast, no need for wash steps) were identified. We also explored the potential of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as bacterial and space probes. A specific instrument for space implementation is suggested and discussed.
Leon Rosa
Nadeau J. L.
Niederberger T. D.
Perreault N. N.
Sun He-Jun
No associations
LandOfFree
Fluorescence Microscopy as a Tool for In Situ Life Detection does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Fluorescence Microscopy as a Tool for In Situ Life Detection, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fluorescence Microscopy as a Tool for In Situ Life Detection will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1689991